Fixture



L. D. HUNT Nov. 10, 1959 FIXTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 1'?, 1955 lll Amma L. D. HUNT Nov. 10, 1959 FIXTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 1'?, 1955 m7 TN N D. M V M y@ www A TTOR/VEY United States Patent O 2,912,208 FIXTURE Lowell D. Hunt, Denver, Colo. Application October 17, 1955, Serial No. 540,879

16 Claims. (Cl. 248-263) This invention relates to fixtures or brackets for curtain and drape bars, rods and the like, and particularly to fixtures which can be utilized in mounting a large number of different types of brackets, including conventional brackets, as well as certain novel brackets constructed in accordance with this invention.

There are numerous types of brackets and fixtures which may be utilized in mounting curtains, drapes and the like, such as across or at each side of a window. Normally, such brackets are mounted or afiixed to a window frame or the wall alongside the window frame by screws,rnails or the like. Due to the variety of types of brackets, Whenever the type of bracket is to be changed, dueto the fact that each time `a diierent type of bracket is to be installed, the old bracket must be removed and the new bracket placed in position, as well as due further to the fact that more often than not the attachment holes of the new bracket will not be accommodated by the holes for the old screws or the like, particularly in apartment houses or in rented premises, the walls and window frames often become severely damaged by the number of holes made therein. Also, when one tenant is moving out and another tenant is moving in, it is often necessary for the owner to have the wall or window frame repaired, so that the new tenant may make his own holes (to be left in the wall for repair when he leaves). Also, some'persons prefer merely window curtains and side drapes, others prefer various types of blinds and drapes, while others prefer merely curtains or drapes as a Window covering, While some persons may prefer that the drapes or curtains extend to a diierent position laterally than other persons prefer. lNormally, each type of curtain or drape to be installed requires a different type of bar or rod for mounting the same, with a resultant difference in the mounting bracket.

Since the repair of damage to walls, window frames and the like constitutes an item of considerable expense, such expense could be saved in the event that a fixture were available which could be relatively permanently mounted on walls or window frames and the'like and` would be adapted to receive and hold in position almost any conventional type of bracket, irrespective of whether curtains, drapes or other types of window coverings or decorative velements would be utilized and also irrrespective of the lateral positioning of the same. Thus, it is an object oi the present invention to provide a fixture 'which may be attached to a wall, Window frame or the like, so that any conventional type of mounting bracket for curtains, drapes andthe like can be removably attached thereto, but which may readily be removed and others substituted without the necessity of attachment ofthe conventional bracket Y to the wall, window frame or the like.

Additional objects of the invention are to provide such a ,fixture which is adapted to receive and hold in a firm and solid position a large number of such conventional mounting brackets or the like; to provide a novel auxiliary element for such a xture which enablesstationary rods, as well as swinging rods, to be supported; to provide a ICC further auxiliary element which in conjunction with lsuch a iixture enables a large number of conventional brackets or the like to be supported at a position laterally of the relatively permanent fixture; to provide such a fixture and novel auxiliary elements which are relatively simple in construction and therefore may be made at a moderate cost, but which are sufficiently strong to withstand the rigors of hard usage.

Additional objects of this invention and the novel features thereof will become apparent from the description which follows, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective View, on a reduced scale, of ai] window, on each side of which a curtain rod or bar 1s Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the fixture of Fig. 2,

with a further type of curtain or drape bracket holder mounted thereon;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the fixture ofV Fig. 2 and an auxiliary element, also constructed in accordance with this invention and particularly adapted toreceive a rod for a drapeor the like, or a swinging rod for a drape ora curtain;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the xture of Fig. 2 and a further auxiliary element, also constructed in accordance with this invention and adapted to permit the mounting of a conventional bracket for a curtain or drape rod or bracket laterally of the position of the fixture in Fig. l;

Fig. 9 is a vertical section, taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8; l

Fig. l0 isa vertical section, taken along'line 10-10 of Fig. 8;

Fig. l1 is a vertical section similar to Fig. 10, illustrating an alternative construction; and

Y Fig. l2 is Ia vertical section illustrating a structural modification and taken at the position of line 12-12 of Fig. 8.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, a fixture F may be installed at one side and a fixture F at the other side of a window 10, the fixtures F andF being similar in construction but complementary so that one is left hand and the other right'hand. TheV fixturesF and F may be securedrto the frame of window 10 orto the wall at each side of the window frame and are also adapted to be left in position, sothat from this standpoint they may be considered as relatively permanent. As shown, a curtain bar 11 extends between the fixtures F and F', the same being of a conventional construction havingv rounded upper and lower flanges and conveniently comprising two sections, one being adapted to slide into the other so that the length of the bar may be adjusted. The opposite ends of bar 11,-normally extending at'right angles tothe remainder of the bar, are not attached directly to the xtures F and F', but rather to a conventional bracket B, shown more clearlyfin Figs. 2 and 3, and comprising a base 12 which is normally attached to the window frame or wall by f screws, nails or the like passing through suitable holes at its upper end adapted to engagel a suitably formed hole A 1n the upper rounded llange ofthe bar 11, as in Fig. 3,"

while each prong also has a rounded lower edge l5, over which the lower rounded flange of bar ll is adapted to snap, to hold the bar in position on the bracket. Other forms of brackets, which may be attached to the fixture F in the same relative position as the bracket B of Figs. l and 2, include a bracket B1 of Fig. 4, having a similar base l2 but a single prong lf3, as well as a bracket B2 of Fig. 5, having a similar generally rectangular base 12' and a prong le in which a spring clip 17 is formed, as by stamping, so as to hold the inwardly extending ends of a bar similar to bar il, with the upper and lower rounded anges in engagement with the correspondingly curved edges l of prong ld, formed by relatively short, longitudinal flanges bent over in an are. The bracket B of Figs. 2 and 3 .is particularly adapted to 'oe utilized for the installation of a pair of bars ll which are adapted to hold center curtains and side curtains or drapes, while each of the brackets El and B2 is adapted to hold only a single bar.

As indicated previously, the fixtures F and F are similar but complementary in construction and each may comprise a rear plate 2@ which may be slightly thinner than a front plate 2l, the rear plate 2@ conveniently being left flat and stamped out to a rectangular shape with rounded corners, while front plate 2l may be stamped to shape and additional stamping or similar operations performed thereon to provide a forwardly offset portion 22 generally parallel to the rear plate 2t) and adapted with rear plate 2t) to form a vertically extending socket 23 having a width preferably considerably greater than its thickness and adapted to receive a flat bar or flange of an auxiliary element, such as described later. The forwardly offset portion 22 is preferably formed generally centrally of the front plate 2l, while adjacent one edge and at the top, a portion of the front plate is bent over and downwardly to form a iiange 24 which extends downwardly in generally parallel relation to the front surface of plate 2l. The inner edge of flange 24 may be adjacent the offset portion 22, so that the latter will tend to limit inward movement of the base 12 of bracket B when received beneath fiange 24, as in Fig. 2. The bottom of base l2 of bracket B or B1 or base 12' of bracket B2, may be anchored by any suitable clamping means, preferably adjustable, such as a clamp C having an upper flange 25 adapted to press against the base of the bracket B, B1 or B2, and a slot 26 by which the position of clamp C may oe adjusted to accommodate different lengths of base of the brackets or the like to be installed therein, as well as to facilitate placement of the bracket in position and tightening of the clamp thereagainst. The clamp C may be tightened in any suitable manner, as by a set screw 27 which extends through slot 26 and into a threaded hole provided for the purpose in the plates 20 and 2l, as in Fig. 3. The plates 20 and 2l also may be secured together in any suitable manner, as by spot welds 3@ placed adjacent opposite sides of the plates, while plates 20 and 21 may be further provided with holes 3l extending through both plates, conveniently adjacent the edges of the plates opposite the position of flange 23 and clamp C. The longitudinal or vertical distance between holes 31 is preferably sufficient that when fixture F or F is attached to a wall, window frame or the like, as by a screw or other suitable type of attaching device extending through each hole 3l, the fixture will be able to withstand any normal load or twisting stress placed thereon. Due to the fact that the fixtures F and F' remain attached substantially permanently, there is less tendency for the screws or other fastening devices to become loose.

The fixture F may comprise parts identical to those of the xture F except, as indicated above, the parts are complementary, i.e., the holes 3l and the iianges 23 and the clamp C will be on the sides opposite those for fixture F. Preferably, the fixtures F and F are installed so that the flange 23 and clamp C are on the outside, i.e., away d from the window, so that bar ll or other suitable device for supporting curtains, drapes or the like, will extend to or past the fixtures. Thus, the curtains or drapes will tend to hide the xtures F and F from view. However, fixtures F and F may, if desired, be installed in a position reverse to that described above.

Other types of brackets or curtain or rod supports may be mounted on the fir-'luresV and F', such as a bracket of Fig. 6, which includes a forwardly extending arm 3S having side flanges 3o to add additional strength and one or more slots 37 and 37' by which a curtain or drape rod or bracket may be attached, as by a suitable clamping screw extending through slot 37 or 37'. The arrn 3S extends forwardly from a base 33, the upper end of which extends beneath the Vflange 24 of the fixture F or F' and the lower end of which is clamped by flange 25 of the clamp C against the plate lt will be noted that the bracket B3 may be constructed so that the rear ends of the side fianges 3o extend alongside the fixture flange 2d, thus adding to the stability of the attachment. The bracket B3 may be formed from one or more pieces of metal, as from one piece by stamping out to a suitable shape, so that a rearwardly extending portion may be bent downwardly to forni the portion of base 38 beneath arm 3S and the ripper portion of case 38 may be formed by lianges bent inwardly from sides 36, stamped so aS to extend rearwardly before being turned inwardly to provide such flanges. Normally, of course, bracket B3 will, as in the case of the brackets B, B1 and B2, have holes therein for attachment by screws or the like to a wall, window frame or the like, but such holes will not be necessary for use with the fixtures F and F', although if present in conventional brackets they may remain, since they neither add to nor detract from the ability of the fixtures F and F to hold the brackets in position.

Normally, a bar of the general type exemplified by bar il and brackets of the type exemplified by brackets B, B1, B2 and B3 are utilized in supporting curtains or drapes having a relatively light weight, since for heavier curtains or drapes, a stronger support may be desired. Thus, a steel rod is often mounted between brackets for supporting a heavier curtain or drapes, while side drapes are often pivoted so that they may be swung inwardly toward or outwardly from the window. For supporting such a rod or rods, an auxiliary element, such as a rod support R of Fig. 7, may be utilized in conjunction with each of the xtures F and F. Each rod support R may be made from at strip having a rear flange itl adapted to be placed in the socket 23 of the respective fixture and a forwardly extending arm 4l at the front end of which a well is formed by vertical flanges i2 and 43 on opposite sides of a downwardly offset, horizontal flange 44, it being evident that a rod, having either a round or any other cross sectional shape and also either solid or hollow, as well as single or multiple for adjustment of length, may be placed in this well. Thus, each end of the rod will be supported forwardly of the window at the position of each of the fixtures F and F', so that a heavier curtain or drape may be placed on such a rod. In addition, the outer end of rod support R may be formed to provide an open sided, box-shaped structure having a top 4&5, a bottom i6 and a front 47, the rear of the box being formed by flange 43. The top 45 and bottom 46 of the box may be provided with aligned holes for insertion of the right angularly disposed end 48 of a curtain or drape rod 49, conveniently having an adjustable tubular extension Sii. As will be evident, rod 49 may be swung around to any desired position with the end 48 thereof pivoting in the holes provided therefor in the rod support R. The rod support R is preferably made of sufficiently thick material that a relatively heavy drape may be supported at or adjacent its outer end, although with a reasonable width the rod support need not be un duly thick.

The rod support R may be made from a single piece of material, normally metal, as by stamping. As will be evident, the holes in box top 4S and bottom 46 may be punched in the metal, following which the box bottom 46 may bebent to a perpendicular to box side 47 and the latter then bent to'a perpendicular to fiange 43, which may then be bent to a perpendicular to horizontal fiange 44 and flange 42 then formed. Rear fiange 40 may be formed at any suitable time, as either the first or last or an intermediate operation, as well as simultaneously with another operation. It will be understood, of course, that variations in the above operations may be utilized, that the corners between the various fianges and the box parts need not be sharp but may be rounded, as may be thebottom of the well, and that the rod support R may be formed of two or more pieces welded or attached together in any suitable manner. The parts of the xtures F and F' and also rod support R may be made of steel or other suitable material, chrome plated or otherwise treated to produce a desirable finish. Of course, the fixtures F and F and/or rod support R may be enameled or painted, or votherwise surface treated `to provide various colors, as well as desired configurations or designs thereon.

When the drapes, curtains or the like are to extend laterally to positions farther from the window than the comparatively fixed position of the fixtures F and F', it is unnecessary to shift the position of the fixtures F and F' in the event that a lateral support L, asillustrated in Figs. 8-10, is available. Each lateral support L may include a bar 55 conveniently formed of strip material and provided at one end with a depending fiange 56, which also may be made of strip material, with the inner end 57 of theV former offset and spot welded, as

at 30', or secured in any other suitabley manner to the upper end-of fiange 56, it being noted that the fiange 56 preferably lies in substantially the same plane as the bar i'55, so that the fiange 56 may be placed in the socket 23 formed between the forwardly offset portion 22 of .the front bracket 21 and the rear plate 20 of a tting F or F. Due to the greater width than thickness of' the socket 23, the lateral support L does not tend to twist. Thus, an auxiliary fixture F, which may be similar to the fixture F or F', but need not be provided with holes for attachment by screws or the like to a wall or window frame, may be mounted on the front side of bar 55, as by spot welding the latter to rear plate 2f), as in Fig. l0, or, as in Fig. ll, the rear plate 20 may extend only up to the bar 55, so that the bar 55 may b e spot welded or otherwise suitably attached directly to the front plate 21 and the portion of bar 55 opposite the offset portion 22 of front plate 21 may form a corresponding part of the rear wall of the socket 23, as in Fig. l1. Front plate 21' and rear plate 20 are also conveniently attached together in a similar manner, as before, such as by spot welds 30. Also, front plate 21', in addition to offset portion 22, is provided with an upper fiange 25 at its outer edge, and a clamp C may be provided in the manner previously described. As will be evident, any. desired type of bracket may be attached to fixture F, or an auxiliary fixture such as rod support R, in the manner previously described. Also, if desired, the auxiliary fixture F" may be removably attached to bar 55, as by screws, bolts or the like, and also may be adjustable therealong. Bar 55 also may be provided with longitudinal flanges or one or more longitudinal ribs, such as rib 57 of Fig. l2, which may taper in width and depth from adjacent one end of bar S to adjacent the opposite end, to increase the strength thereof as a beam supported at one end.'

From the foregoing, it will be evident that the fixtures constructed in accordance with this invention, as well as the auxiliary elements, fulfill to a marked degree the requirements and objects hereinbefore set forth. It will be understood that various changes in the construction thereof may be made, in addition to those indicated.

comprising a front plate and a rear. plate attached to-' gether in overlying relation by spot welds adjacent the longitudinal edges thereof, said front pla-te having. a forwardly offset portion extending from top to bottom thereo'f in a central position so that said plates'fonn, in upright position, an upright socket for receiving a bar-like member; said front plate also being provided With a fiange at the upper end and at one side ofsaid forwardly offset portion, said fiange extending outwardly and then downwardly in spaced, generally parallel relation to said front plate; said plates having longitudinally spaced holes therethrough adjacent the edgeopposite said fiange for attachment to a wall or the like by screws or the like; a clamp having a longitudinal slot therein and an upper, upwardly extending fiange disposed in opposed relation to said plate fiange; and a screw extending through said slot and saidl plates for adjustably attaching said clamp to said plates, said plates having a threaded hole therein for receiving said screw. v

'2. Forguse. with a fixture as defined inclaim l, an auxiliary element comprising an armadaptedto extend horizontally from said fixture and having a 'rear fiange extending downwardly into said fixture socket; said arm being formed from fiat stock and providedwith a well for receiving a bar, rod or the like, said well having an open top, a horizontal bottom and generally vertical front and rear sides; said arm having at its outerend a box formed by said front side of said well, a horizontal top, a generally vertical end and a horizontalY bottom extending back to said well, said box bottom and top being provided with aligned holes for receiving an angular end of a generally horizontal rod which is thereby swingable about said arm box, said well and said box being formed from a continuous strip from which said arm is formed.

3. For use with al xture as defined in claim 1, an auxiliary element comprising a bar adapted to extend laterally from the upper edge of said fixture, said bar having an offset inner end spot welded to a fiange bar extending downwardly in said fixture socket and the outer end of said bar being attached to a second fixture ncluding front and rear plates with said front plate having a longitudinal offset portion in the center and a downwardly extending fiange at the outer upper edge, a clamp having an upper flange in opposed relation to said front plate fiange and a longitudinal slot, and a screw extending through said slot for adjustably securing said clamp to said plate, said plates being provided with a threaded hole for receiving said screw and said plates being welded to each other and to said bar.

4. The improvement defined in claim 3, wherein the rear plate ofsaid second fixture extends to said bar, said bar thereby forming a portion of the rear of said socket and said bar being welded to said front plate of said second fixture.

5. The improvement defined in claim 3, wherein said bar is generally fiat and is provided with a tapering ridge.

6. A fixture for curtain and drape bars, rods and the like, said fixture and a complementary fixture being adapted to be installed at opposite sides of a window or the like, comprising at least two plates attached together, in overlying relation, said plates forming, in upright position, an upright socket for receiving a bar-like member; and means for receiving a bracket or the like and removably attaching the same to said fixture.

7. A fixture as defined in claim 6, wherein said plates are attached together by welding.

8. A fixture as defined in claim 6, wherein said socket is provided by an offset portion of one of said plates.

9. The combination of a fixture, as defined in claim 6, and an angular member having a substantially co- -iplanar liange extending into said socket of said fixture, lthe outer end of said member being thereby disposed laterally or" said iiiture; and an auxiliary fixture having an upright socket and means for removably attaching a bracket or the like thereto, said auxiliary fixture being attached to the outer end of said angular member.

10. The combination of a fixture, as deiined in claim 6, and an auxiliary element including an arm having a flange extending into said socket of said fixture, said arm thereby extending forwardly from said fixture; and said arm being provided with means for supporting a rod for a drape, curtain or the like.

11. A xture for curtain and drape bars, rods and the like, said fixture and a complementary fixture being adapted to be installed at opposite sides of a window or the like, comprising at least two plates attached together, in overlying relation, said plates forming, in upright position, an upright socket for receiving a bar-like member; one of said plates being provided with a flange extending outwardly therefrom and then in spaced, generally parallel relation to said plates; and a clamp attached to said plates and having a flange disposed in opposed relation to said plate ange.

l2. A fixture as defined in claim 11, wherein said clamp is provided with a longitudinal slot; and a screw extending through said slot and said plates, said plates being provided with a threaded hole for said screw.

13. A fixture as dened in claim 11, wherein said socket is provided by an oiset portion of one of said plates and said plate flange is disposed at the upper end of said plate having said offset socket portion and alongside said offset portion.

14. A fixture as deiined in claim 1l, wherein said plates are provided with longitudinally spaced holes at the side opposite said flange for attachment to a wall or the like.

15. An auxiliary element for a xture having an upright socket therein, comprising an arm adapted to extend horizontally from said fixture and having a rear ange adapted to extend downwardly into said fixture socket; said arm being formed from flat stock and provided with a well for receiving a bar, rod or the like, said well having an open top, a horizontal bottom and generally vertical front and rear sides; said arm having at its outer end a box formed by said front side of said well, a horizontal top, a generally vertical end and a horizontal bottom extending back to said well, said box bottom and top being provided with aligned holes for receiving an angular end of a generally horizontal rod which is thereby swingable about said arm box, said well and said box being formed from a continuous strip from which said arm is formed.

16. An auxiliary element for a fixture having an upright socket therein, comprising a bar adapted to extend laterally from the upper edge of said fixture, said bar having an oiset inner end spot welded to a flange bar adapted to extend downwardly in said fixture socket and the outer end of said bar being attached to a second fixture including front and rear plates with said front plate having a longitudinal odset portion in the center and a downwardly extending flange at the outer upper edge, a clamp having an upper flange in opposed relation to said front plate ange and a longitudinal slot, and a screw extending through said slot for adjustably securing said clamp to said plate, said plates being provided with a threaded hole for receiving said screw and said plates being welded to each other and to said bar.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 932,684 Depp Aug. 31, 1909 940,820 Parker Nov. 23, 1909 1,324,713 Adsit Dec. 9, 1919 1,795,657 Madvig Mar. 10, 1931 1,970,925 Vogt Aug. 21, 1934 

